Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed continued to blame lawmakers for violence in the capital city Friday as he signed a new ordinance into law requiring anyone with a concealed firearm to have a photo ID.
The Alabama Legislature removed the requirement to have a permit for concealed firearms in 2023. Supporters celebrated the state's allowing citizens to bear arms without infringing on their Second Amendment rights.
Several sheriffs across the state opposed the bill, saying it would cut into their funding. Now, law enforcement and city officials say the law is "hindering" their abilities to fight crime and make arrests.
Montgomery's new ordinance allows police to confiscate concealed guns if the gun holder does not present a photo ID. The gun owner would not get it back unless they paid a fine and provided proof of purchase within 30 days.
"What we hope this will do is maybe give us a little bit of movement back to being able to take some of those [illegal] guns," Reed said.
Attorney General Steve Marshal's office said the ordinance is illegal.
"The Montgomery City Council's ordinance related to firearms violates state law," William Califf, a spokesperson for the attorney general, stated. "The Code of Alabama plainly states that the Legislature is the sole regulator of firearms and related matters."
There was an increase in homicides in the first year of the permitless carry law. In 2023, there were 76 homicides compared to 62 in 2022. However, in 2021, there were 77 homicides.
In Bessemer, Police Chief Mike Wood claimed the law also hindered his agency's ability to fight crime. However, historically, the city has ranked among the most dangerous in the nation, well before permitless carry was passed.
Neighborhood Scout ranked Bessemer as the most dangerous city in America based on 2022 data, and this year, Mayor Kenneth Gulley bragged about a major decrease in crime based on 2023 data.
Still, Wood called on the legislature to make changes to gun laws and add required background checks for firearm purchases. During a press conference streamed live on Facebook, Wood said his agency is unable to arrest potential criminals because those criminals do not have to have a concealed carry permit. The department has since removed the video of the press conference.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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